A CAMPAIGN group that is against the construction of a new incinerator in Buttington say they are 'horrified' at plans to launch the project during the coronavirus lockdown.

Earlier this month Broad Energy, which will run the proposed incinerator at Buttington Quarry, said it would carry out a virtual consultation on the project, including writing to people by post, to allow the public to share their views.

But Buttington incinerator Impact Group (BiIG) say that many people, and particularly the elderly, will be unable to participate.

Spokesman Corinne Rowley said Broad Energy should hold back on the consultation until the end of lockdown.

"We are horrified by plans by Broad Energy to launch the incinerator project during lockdown," she said.

"The developers, Broad Energy, having delayed the project by almost four years have now chosen to launch it at a time of national crisis.

"Broad Energy have said that they will hold a virtual consultation. Many people in our community, particularly the older and more vulnerable do not connect with the virtual world of the internet and social media.

"It is wrong that they should be denied involvement in something of such major importance.

"We therefore ask Broad Energy to treat the local community with the decency and respect they deserve by listening to their views and therefore hold back on the consultation until lockdown is over.

"They have a history of delaying this project for business reasons. Now is the time to delay it so that the community can have a proper say about something that would affect their lives so much."

Meanwhile, managing director of Broad Energy, Alistair Hilditch-Brown, says there will be many ways to participate in the consultation – including via post.

He said: "Our public consultation was supposed to be starting next month and local venues were booked, however, this had to change given the current situation.

"As things stand we do not know when it will be suitable and safe for us to hold similar events in the future.

"There are going to be many ways in which people can participate. Yes, some of this will be online, but it won't be solely online.

"All relevant information will be sent out by post to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in the locality, which will include pre-paid envelopes for questionnaires and comments to be sent back.

"On top of this there will be webinars and all of the information will be uploaded to the website.

"However, as we have already said, if later in the year there are any individuals who really feel they have not been able to participate through the means we have provided, then we may consider making some alternative arrangements for them if government advice dictates it is safe to do so.”